As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

Salt to the Sea is a historical fictional novel based on real life events at the end of the second world war. The Wilhelm Gustloff was a real ship involved in the biggest maritime tragedy in history but unlike the sinking of the Titanic, most have never heard of this tragedy, close to ten thousand people lost their lives during that time.

Joana, Emilia, and Florian are among the thousands of refugees trying to flee at the end of World War II. Their paths cross as they are heading toward freedom and trying to board the Wilhelm Gustloff, a ship that promises salvation. Forced to unite on their journey through tough circumstances freedom is so close but tragedy strikes.

First, I should admit right away that I’m one of the ones that really did not know anything of the events that this book is based on. This time period isn’t one that I’ve read a lot about so I went into this really not able to say oh that’s a real fact or that isn’t but with the hope that maybe I could learn a thing or two.

My one complaint with this book though was I found the beginning to be a tad bit confusing for me to get into. The chapters are fairly short and each change the prospective of the characters involved so I found it a bit tough to get into and learn who each of them were with it going by so quickly. After you get into the story though it became easier to switch between them.

Overall, very well written and engaging historical fiction based on a true life tragedy during World War II.

I saw a lot of comparisons to that one but I haven’t read it either so I can’t say myself. I usually am a bit fan of short chapters but with the switching POVs it was tough to figure out the who is who in the beginning…. I think maybe it didn’t help that the characters don’t trust one another and don’t start using their names so there’s also sort of nicknames in play that you need to match up along the way.